The rules adopted Monday set minimum standards of training and
experience for defense lawyers and prosecutors in capital cases.

For example, the lead lawyer on each side must have at least
five years of criminal litigation experience; previously none was
required. And judges who might preside over capital cases must
attend regional training seminars every two years.

Illinois has been the center of attention in the death penalty
debate since Gov. George Ryan halted all executions indefinitely
nearly a year ago.

Ryan, a first-term Republican, made the decision because the
state had released 13 death row inmates who had been wrongly
convicted while executing just 12 others since capital punishment
was reinstated in 1977.

Under the new rules, prosecutors must let defendants know more
quickly if they intend to seek the death penalty. The rules also
specify in writing the existing principle that prosecutors must
make a good-faith effort to notify defense attorneys of evidence
that could help the defense.

The rules also establish new standards for disclosing DNA
evidence and let trial judges decide if defense attorneys can
question witnesses before trial. The guidelines, which become
official in March, also provide seminars for judges who might
preside over death penalty cases.

The head of one of the groups appointed by the state to study
the capital punishment system praised the court's move.

"Instead of Illinois being an example [of problems], we can be
a leader in death penalty reform," said Republican state Rep. Jim
Durkin, who leads the House Prosecutorial Misconduct Committee.